Cross training and new opportunities at Alaska Marine Trucking

Dan Pankowski, (left in both photos) Chase Foster (left) and Stephan Hill.

Alaska Marine Trucking offers a similar program to Lynden Transport’s Dock to Driver. Cross training employees has been a focus for the past year. "Our needs are expanding, and we recognize the untapped potential and skill of our current employees. We need drivers who can also move freight, and barge operators who can drive trucks for us," explains TJ Vires, Regional Manager, Western/Central Alaska.

TJ, Mark Reid, Bret Farrell and others spearheaded a movement to equip employees with the skills and training to serve where needed within the Lynden companies. "Alaska Marine Trucking extends throughout Alaska, so working with other Lynden companies to develop this program has been a big help," Mark says. In the past year, 14 Alaska Marine Trucking employees have successfully earned their CDLs, several have graduated from the program, and some are still working with driver trainers. Vaughn Chilton serves as the Alaska Marine Trucking driver trainer with support from LTI, Inc. and Alaska West Express trainers.

"From the warehouse to the barges, we often need trained employees for specific projects throughout the Lynden system," TJ says. "This program gives employees the opportunity to acquire new skills and valuable training, while supporting Lynden companies in providing excellent customer service."

Last month, Barge Operators Chase Foster and Stephan Hill and Nome Operations Manager Dan Pankowski traveled to Prudhoe Bay to assist Lynden Oilfield Services. Chase and Stephan used their specialized training to operate forklifts on site. "These new opportunities are incentives for Lynden employees to be the best they can be. It also opens doors for them to work at a variety of Lynden companies if they choose," TJ says.